My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.- Ernest Hemingway
All students will be required to keep a journal.
It should be a bound composition book as shown above. Spiral bound notebooks are not acceptable.
Required Entries in Journal:
Date: Enter the day's date it will be on the board
Daily Objectives: This are our work goals. If we do not finish them in class, use this list to direct your homework and study.
Key Vocabulary: Copy both the words and the definitions on the side board. Take extra notes as I explain if you don't understand the words.
Journal Prompt: Usually a review problem to get the brain shifted into thinking about Science. Sometimes a brain teaser, or I may just want to hear your opinion.
Format:
Start each day at the top of a new page.
Use front and back of the sheets. (You'll have plenty of room)
Any extra space on a page can be used for writing questions that you may have.
It can also serve as a place to record raw lab data like masses, temperature etc.
Make sure your entries are legible.
Due: Every Friday. (Approximately every 5 class days)
Grading:
Grading will be based on completeness, neatness and effort.
To get points, you must attempt to answer the question. If you leave it blank or write " I don't know" you will lose points. No points will be taken off for an incorrect answer though. 1 pt will be given for objectives and date, 1 pt for key vocabulary, 1 pt for attempting to answer or complete the prompt. 5 days X 3 pts per day = 15 points weekly. This is a free 100 every other week and can really help struggling students : )
Sample
|
8/25/06 |
| Objectives: Review Metric System |
| Know that volume is measured in liters, mass in kilograms, length in meters. |
| Know the prefixes of metric system that correspond to King Henry Doesn't like drinking chocolate milk. |
| Homework worksheet due next class. |
| Key vocabulary: Convert: in science class to change units from one unit to another unit by multiplying or by moving the decimal the correct number of spaces. |
| Prompt: Kilo is the prefix for 1000 in the metric system |
| 1000 grams is 1 kg. 100 kg = 100,000 g. |
Miscellaneous:
Bring your journal every day. If you forget it you must copy the day's entry from a friend.
You do not have to write out the question, but if not, you must answer in complete sentences.
If you are absent. Simply put the date and the word absent. You will receive full credit.
Write your name legibly on the front cover! You may recognize your journal, but it will probably take me a while to do so.
Like most things in life, you will get out of this exercise what you put in it. Your journal is designed to help you succeed.